I have determined that my nav system is toast. Can I replace the reader in the trunk myself by purchasing one of the systems I see on Ebay? I've read that the system must be installed by a dealer and I've read that it is simply plug in the new/used cd reader.. Info varies. If anyone can direct me to a thread I would be grateful.

 

i don't believe your nav is cd-based. i think it's hard drive based.
you're probably better off asking in the LS 3rd gen sub-forum here:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...2001-2006-158/

 

The LS430 Nav is DVD based with the DVD in the trunk.
It is located where most water leaks into the trunk go, so often gets water damaged.
You should be able to just plug in a used Nav unit but you will need either the DVD from your existing unit, or else a new DVD.
Eject the DVD from your existing unit if you can, then disconnect the car battery before unplugging the Nav unit and replacing with the new unit.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...placement.html

 

I've read that the new/used unit must be installed by a dealer because of some "codes" that were needed to complete installation. If that were true, I've supposed you can find anything on the Interweb.Any input?

 

Maybe you just have a bad disc. How did you determine the player is bad?

 

Inspected the disc. Appeared fine. No moisture anywhere. Got messages "cannot read data": "insert a disc". What would cause a cd to suddenly go bad? I made certain assumptions based on behavior of system.

 

Ok...sounds like a dirty disc or bad laser in player. Call parts dept and ask them for part number and they would know if it had to be programmed to car. Also yours can be repaired if bad. Generally don't here these players going bad. Try cleaning the disc and the laser inside the unit.

 

Mine was giving a similar error message. Got a used one off eBay with the same part # (I believe it was originally in a Prius), plugged it in and works great. No dealer needed.

 

Mine does the "Unable to read DVD" every winter like clockwork. It only happens upon first boot when car and DVD are cold. After 5 minutes, it starts reading and then it loads up fine. I burned the DVD myself using a "backup" of the most recent maps published for this Gen2/3 system. Either the DVD spin motor has issues with the cold, or the DVD media warps a bit in the cold. No issues at all during spring/summer/fall. Repeatable issue for past 10+ years.

You do not need anything from the dealer to remove the old disc and to put in a new one. You just need the authentic disc of a newer version or a properly copied one (standard copying methods will not work reliably or at all).